Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised the question of time for debating the fiscal compact treaty and the relevant legislation. I hope to meet the group leaders tomorrow to discuss the timing involved, but I can assure the House that we will have more than ample time to discuss that matter. It looks like we will be sitting for five days in the last week in April, Monday to Friday. I am putting Members on notice that it is likely at this stage because we will have so many matters to discuss, including the Social Welfare Bill and Pensions Bill.

I will endeavour to arrange for a debate on mortgage arrears when we return after the Easter recess. I understand that the Taoiseach is chairing a Cabinet sub-committee on that subject, so we will have more details on it after Easter.

As happened yesterday, today's debate has been dominated by the household charge. I stated yesterday that paying the household charge will not mean an increase in services. However, failing to collect the charge will certainly mean reduced services. That is a matter of fact. In the budget, the Government tried to recognise the pain that people had already taken in previous budgets. We did not raise income tax and did not reduce primary social welfare rates. We reversed cuts made to the minimum wage and increased the exemption threshold for the universal charge, thus removing over 330,000 people from it. In addition, we increased mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers squeezed by high mortgage repayments after buying at the height of the bubble. That is what happened in the budget. These choices had to be made but we had no choice concerning the household charge, despite what the Opposition may say. It was solemnly agreed in the EU-IMF deal which was signed up to by our predecessors as a measure to be introduced in 2012. We had no choice therefore and we know that it will not be done in the fairest way in its first year, but we can say that we are on a path towards a fairer way of doing it in the coming years. When the country has a fair and progressive property tax, we must bear in mind that it will help prevent a future property bubble. It will also help the country to broaden its income base to protect against a devastating collapse in revenue, such as the one which was partly responsible for our current problems. I addressed the household charge comprehensively yesterday and have dealt with it again today. I hope the majority of the public will pay the charge on time.

Senator Bacik and other Members have raised the question of human rights in China and elsewhere, as well as the application of the death penalty in so many countries. I know the Taoiseach has agreed to raise those matters with the Chinese authorities on his current visit there.

Senators Mac Conghail and Quinn referred to distinguished persons addressing the Seanad, and I will raise that at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Senator Mac Conghail also called for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, to attend the House to address the critical review of the amalgamation of State agencies. I will endeavour to arrange for the Minister to come here to address that matter in due course.

Senator Comiskey referred to the moves by Ulster Bank on tracker mortgages, which are to be welcomed. He said that other banks should do likewise and we would all agree with that.

Senator Leyden mentioned separating the household charge from the fiscal compact, which is very important. I am glad that the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will be addressing the fiscal compact treaty. This House gave the lead in that regard by having a four-hour debate on the subject, as well as a presentation in the audiovisual room.

Senator O'Keeffe referred to the public consultation committee which will have its launch at 12.30 p.m. I hope as many Members of the House as possible will attend the launch. It is a way of brining the citizen close to the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is to be and has been welcomed by many. We will be having further consultations in the coming months.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe also raised the question of domestic violence and the need for greater access to accommodation for those affected, especially children. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, will be in the House shortly and some of these points can be raised with her. I will certainly raise the problem in Kildare with the Minister for Health.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to the Government's acceptance of the Fianna Fáil Bill dealing with the Financial Services Ombudsman, which I am sure all Members will welcome. The Government is willing to accept good legislation brought forward by other parties. The Senator also called for a debate on the Freedom of Information Act which I will try to arrange.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the question of barracks closures and asked why there had not been a public march in Cavan. I will try to ascertain the position from the Minister for Finance. I take the opportunity to praise the contribution of the Defence Forces which have accepted more rationalisation than almost any other sector of the public service.

Senator Feargal Quinn raised the issue of organ donation, as he has on several occasions. I will try to arrange a debate on it with the relevant Minister after Easter.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the burden of commercial rates on small businesses. I take his point. As the Cathaoirleach said, the matter of medical cards is one that could be raised on the Adjournment. I, therefore, invite the Senator to submit his motion for discussion on the Adjournment.

Senator John Crown drew attention to the plight of the Bahraini doctors and Pastor Nadarkhani. My information is that ongoing representations are being made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I will certainly bring the matter to the Minister's attention again.

Senator John Kelly spoke about carers and community employment schemes. The Minister for Social Protection will be in the House after Easter. This will provide an opportunity for the Senator to raise these points with her.

I am sure we all join Senator Terry Brennan in congratulating the Garda and Customs officers on their success in tackling diesel laundering in County Cavan.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about the situation in Syria and Mr. Kofi Annan's efforts to negotiate an agreement. We all hope to see peace in that land in the not too distant future.